Health benefits of dandelion plant

Thinking of how to end that muscle ache, how about go for dandelion? Dandelion known for its invasive and pervasive nature, is a weed with the tendency of taking over our farms, pavements, lawns and even in crack on our buildings. Fortunately, unlike other weeds it’s a plant that can be grown and put to use. Different parts of the herb has its effective use, talk of the stem, roots and leaves. In a nutshell it is an excellent herbal medicine and good food. The health benefits of dandelion are so many. They include relief from anemia, cancer, jaundice, urinal disorders, liver disorders and diabetes. Dandelion also helps to lose weight, maintain healthy bones and good skin care. Dandelion was traditionally used as an ornamental flowering plant despite its numerous health benefits. This articles therefore aims at looking at various health benefits of Dandelion plant, its roots, leaves, stems and flowers.

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Dandelion

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Dandelion are flowering plants of asteraceae family in the genus taraxacum. The plant is herbaceous and perennial which grows well in temperate regions. The plant is of Eurasian and North America native. They reproduce asexually through apoximis i.e. the seed can be produced without pollination.

The dandelion flower leaves range from 5 to 25 cm long in length. The flowers range from yellow to orange in color and open during the day and close during the night. Dandelion stems when cut produces milk. This milk is referred to as dandelion milk.In a dandelion plant, a mature flower head becomes like a white ball which contains fair hair and seeds.

Natural Health benefits of Dandelion

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The following are some of the natural benefits of dandelion plant.

1. Controls diabetes

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One of the benefits of dandelion juices is, it can help in diabetic. The dandelion extract stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin thus keeping the sugar level in the blood low. They are also diuretic in nature and this helps increase in urination among those who are diabetic. Increased urination is important too because it helps remove sugar deposits in the kidney. It should however be known that Dandelion juices are bitter. But they consistently lower the blood sugar level and control insulin production thus preventing dangerous plunges and spikes among the diabetics.

2. Care for the skin

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Dandelion stems when cut produces sap. This sap commonly referred to as dandelion milks is useful in treating skin infections commonly attributed to fungus and microbial infections. Dandelion Milk is highly alkaline and it possesses insecticidal, fungicidal and germicidal properties. It can therefore be used to treat ringworms, eczema and other skin infection without any fear of hormonal alterations like other pharmaceutical drugs used in skin treatments.

3. Loss of weight

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The diuretic properties of dandelion increase urination in an individual. Urinating gets rid of up to 4% of the fats in the body. Therefore frequent urinations removes the much dreaded water weight in the body. Additionally, dandelion have low calories and this make them more beneficial hence sometimes used as sweeteners.

4. Prevents cancer

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The dandelion extract are rich in antioxidants e.g. luteolin and vitamin C. These two reduces free radicals which are carcinogenic in the body thus reducing the risk of cancer. Vitamin C detoxifies the body preventing it from growth of tumors and other cancers. Luteolin poisons certain cancer cells when it binds on them ineffective and reduce their ability to reproduce.

Research has shown that this method can prevent prostate cancer. Some other related cancer complications may include, stomach cancer, colon cancer and pancreas cancer

5. Dandelion cures constipation

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Dandelion leaves are rich in fibers, this is essential to the diet because the help prevent constipation by aiding intestinal health and proper digestion of food. It increase bowel movement by adding bulk to the stool reducing diarrhea too.

It should be noted too that regulated movement of bowel minimizes gastrointestinal issues. It is soothing to the stomach and therefore recommended for the children who are experiencing constipation.

6. It prevents Anemia

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Dandelion are rich in Proteins, Vitamins and Iron. Iron is essential for the hemoglobin in the blood. Protein and vitamin B are important in the formation of certain components in the blood and more so the red blood cells. There being rich in iron makes them helpful to person who are anemic

7. Helps regulate blood pressure in the body

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Blood pressure is effectively lowered through urinating. The diuretic nature of dandelion juice makes it possible to increase the frequency at which one urinated amounting to high volumes of expelled urines. Reducing cholesterol level in the blood amount to lowering blood pressure too. A diet rich in fibers can be of help too. Dandelion are rich in fibers.

8. It Protect bones

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The mineral responsible for strong bones in the body is calcium. It is stored in the bones and teeth. By drinking dandelion root tea, or eating green dandelion leaves, one avoid tooth ache, calcium deficiency and other health complications related to the lack of calcium in the body. As a source of calcium, dandelion contains about 10% of our daily calcium intakes.

9. It keeps at bay urinary tract infections.

Dandelion leaf and root tea can be very effective when it preventing urinary tract problems. It’s also good for kidney problems, cyst in reproductive organs and bladder disorders.

A combination of a special extract from organic dandelion root and dandelion leave powder together with Uva Ursi when taken orally reduces UTIs among women. Uva Ursi is important because it kills bacteria and the extra increases the level of urination hence rapid expulsion form the body.

10. It treats jaundice

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Jaundice is a disorder in the liver. This disorder lead to overproduction of bile which gets into the blood stream resulting into body metabolism complications. Excess bile in the blood stream can be detect through yellow tint in the color of the eyes and skin. It is however handled through the following three steps.

1st curb the production of bile

2nd remove the excess bile in the blood stream

3rd fight the reason for viral infections.

In these steps, dandelion supplements are necessary since they are essential for promoting the health of the liver and regulate production of bile. This is because dandelion are diuretic in nature.

11. Prevents Acne

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Acnes are common for teenagers undergoing hormonal and physiological changes. To combat them they are to be controlled and regulated at health ratio. If they don’t they tend to deposit toxic substance in the body. There are four properties of dandelion juice that are important for the treatment of acne. The properties include; detoxification, stimulant, diuretics, and antioxidant.

Dandelion leaf and root tea

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Dandelion leaf and root tea have a variety of health benefits. The dandelion extract that is from either the roots or leaves carry numerous nutritional benefits. This is as brought out below.

Uses of dandelion roots and leaves

Dandelion is used as the following: dandelion coffee, dandelion tea, salads and dandelion greens

Benefits of dandelion root tea

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The above benefits of dandelion plant have cut across the three parts of the plant i.e. the stem, leaves, root and flowers. The roots of dandelion have the following nutritional value: vitamins A, B, C and D complexes. Minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium. They are also high in calcium and others. What are the health benefits of dandelion root tea? Let’s look at some of them.

It Increases bile production and minimizes inflammations hence helps in gallbladder problem and blockages in the gallbladder.

The Dandelion leaves boosts the immune system

It Supports and protects liver health

It promote eye health

It decrease water weight and aids in weight loss

It lowers triglycerides

Many of the health benefits of dandelion plant can be achieved by various modification which the roots, leaves and flowers are taken through. The modifications include, dandelion extracts, juicing dandelion greens, dandelion root supplements, tea and coffee.

Let’s look deeper at the ways the modifications are made.

Dandelion root coffee

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How to make dandelion root coffee

The roots are dug up and washed well and rinsed

Cut the root at the top to save the flowers and the leaves. The flowers can be used in making dandelion syrup and pancakes. The dandelion leaves are nutritious and they can be added into salad.

Slice the roots and chop the coarsely

Spread the thinly cut particles on cookie sheet.

Roast then at 275 degree Fahrenheit for about two hours

When the color changes to dark, then they are ready

Store roasted dandelion root in air tight container and in cool conditions

Grind the dandelion roots in a coffee grinder and brew then like you would do to ground coffee

2 spoonsful for 3 cups of beverage

The ground are then added to simmering water

The dandelion can be served with your favorite milk.

Dandelion Tea

This is the easiest way of using dandelion. It involve the use of dandelion leaves.

The leaves could first be crushed into dandelion leaf powder and added in simmering water. The dandelion extract is what is referred to Dandelion tea

Dandelion teas has the following nutritional values;

1. Red dandelion

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Red dandelion are foliage. They are from the red dandelion plant before it flowers. Red dandelion have dark leaves and a reddish stem.

They are of chicory family and are necessary for salads.

Like general dandelions they are rich in calcium, iron, antioxidants and proteins.

2. Dandelion green juice

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The green juice are meant to make them taste even better. The recipe of dandelion green juice is as follows. The requirements are: 2 cucumbers, 1 lemon. ½ bunch of dandelion greens, 2 romaine hearts, and 1 large handful of parsley.

Because the nutritional contents are similar that all that is discussed under dandelion plants. The health benefits of dandelion greens juice are similar to the ones mentioned above.

Side effects of dandelion

Dandelion milk has been known to cause itching on the skin, irritation and allergic conditions. It should be kept away from the eyes.

There is a certain group of fiber referred to as inulin. Some people are allergic to it hence could experience a severe reaction when taken.

Can result into hypoglycemia for high blood pressure patients for are already taking blood sugar modulator. So one should consult the doctor before using dandelion root supplements

In conclusion, it’s now very clear that the proverbial rejected stone hand turned out to be the cornerstone applies too. The weed which was one cut, raked and perhaps burned has the above mentioned health benefits. The weed is a versatile herb and has been used since time memorial to treat certain medical conditions. It is mostly used by herbalists as herb in curing organ disorders e.g. skin, kidney etc. I hope that this article has been of help and informative.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this page is for general information purposes only.